A tiny celebration could become a Tiny celebration this summer if organizers can swing it.
Let’s Rock Together is a charity event that was proposed to Tiny council recently which, if successful, could see attendees gathering in Balm Beach for food, drink and dancing to music by the Desotos.
Project manager Don Chapman, notable for his successful heralding of the Terry Fox Run charity events within North Simcoe, spoke for the majority of the presentation alongside event chair Diane Leblovic, previously known for the popular Balm Beach Family Fun Day events in 2018 and 2019.
“It’s different from anything we’ve proposed before,” said Chapman. “I think it’s great, and we’re getting some rocking feedback from some people as we talk to them about this event.”
In the pitch for the event, Chapman remarked that there was a sense of constraint throughout the COVID-19 pandemic from choices to emotions.
“Every second word I’ve heard from people is the word ‘virtual,’ and frankly I’m fed up with it. I’m ready for ‘real,’” said Chapman with enthusiasm.
Proposed to be held during the early evening hours at Perkinsfield Park in early July, the inclusive and mobility-friendly outdoor event would be limited to 500 people with pre-registration required. Protocols that follow provincial and public health guidelines at the time would be enacted.
“We hope COVID will be over,” Chapman remarked. “If controls are still as tight as they are today, we will cope with them. We won’t resist them; we’ll support them totally and enable those controls as they happen.”
Chapman added that if allowed, the event would be for ages 19-and-over for alcoholic beverages, with the biggest cost variable in the initial expenses going toward food services. Estimated expenses for Let’s Rock Together ranged between roughly $12,000 to $16,000, but around $28,000 in revenue could come back.
“If you want to invest your money in somebody, invest in us. We’re looking at giving you back a two-for-one return on investment. The way we’re looking at this: you, we, the township, are going to make money off this that we can reinvest in our community,” Chapman boasted.
The charity event is intended to raise money to enhance Parkside Park, and although the initial stages haven’t nailed down exact purposes for the funds, Leblovic had spoken to park users and saw what was lacking.
“One of the things I noticed is that the teenagers go down there to sit on the spinner and talk,” said Leblovic. “We need something for them, and one of the things that has come up over and over again… is half-court basketball courts.”
Leblovic added other considerations included a shaded area, additional picnic benches and fitness equipment to accommodate those with mobility issues.
Coun. John Bryant inquired what was being asked of the township in regards to cost and labour in consideration of the event.
Leblovic replied that although preliminary costs were unavailable to provide specific amounts, previous involvement for the Balm Beach Family Fun Day had resulted in the township contributing approximately $4,000 of services in kind.
Coun. Gibb Wishart jovially stated that the event would face the problem of turning people away due to its popularity.
“From a budget perspective, it’s a money-making event; your track record speaks for itself. I wish some of our other budget expenses were self-funded,” Wishart admitted.
“It would be awesome to go to a real party again,” admitted Coun. Cindy Hastings. “I hope we can do it right.”
Council passed the motion to support Let’s Rock Together in principle, with the intention for the organizers to provide details to financial request and event support at a later date. The proposal stated a follow-up review for council is tentatively scheduled for spring of 2022.
The presentation by Chapman and Leblovic can be found as part of the agenda on the Tiny Township website.
Archives of council meetings are available to view on the Tiny Township YouTube channel.
